Just got in the new 7m HQ Montana 3!

The build quality looks very good

I hope to try it out tomorrow morning.

Here are a few pictures for now:

Backpack - rear view

Bar

Bridle

Sail graphics

7m HQ MIII

Very nice--any wind tomorrow?

Maybe a lunchtime fly would be better.
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Tuesday
Cooler. Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 50s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the north 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph in the afternoon.

Oh my, dont forget the lid! Did you find the sail material different than your old M1? I thought it was very nice quality. No wind here till Wednesday but Nates home for Thanksgiving break and we've surfed the last couple of days!

Sounds like you are having a good time Tri!

Yes - the material does seem lighter than the M1.

Overall, the build looks great. Can't wait to get her in the air

Looks awesome!

I've got a Montana2. Wonder if I can change it to new pulley system. Canopy looks almost same and I think they didn't change bridle system. Any thoughts, anybody?

Hey DaVinch, any prices on the 3's?

Quote:

Originally posted by leebrianh I've got a Montana2. Wonder if I can change it to new pulley system. Canopy looks almost same and I think they didn't change bridle system. Any thoughts, anybody?

I just got my M3 stock and personal 9.5m yesterday.
I don't have my M2 to compare with side-by side, but HQ tells me it is a different mixer system with the pulleys, and the bridle is definately different. Allows for greater de-power.
Other differences:
Fabric - softer, water repellant
Rib profile - improved stabiliy, lift, hang time

Canopy is otherwise same shape and approximate dimensions, size for size. A/R still at 4.2

Here is pic of new pulley system...

So, who can convert my M2 5M to M3 version? Any takers? - Brian

a montana3 slideshow prepared by Stef (kiteriding) the HQ reseller here in Montreal

http://www.slide.com/r/vDtqM22Gyz-vGklTsPf7V-poChsdQkcP?prev...

Thanks for the slideshow link Buzz!

I flew it today - the weather/wind was nasty. Cold 15mph winds and really gusty.

I only got to fly static for about 25 mins, but it felt like my old 6m Access 2 but with lots more lift.

I'll report in once I get to use it with the Dirtsurfer.

hey DaVinch

I never flown a Montana myself, but I should get that chance in few weeks from now.

I was told that Montana2 was slower than a Frenzy 2006. It would more compare to a Frenzy 2004-2005 in term of speed.

So do you think the M3 has improved there. When you compare to an access2 6m, which is a low aspect, but a fun kite to fly, so would it be fair to say that the M3 would be a good kite to have in a small size such as 5m or 7m

how do you think the 9.5 will feel. lot of lift for sure, but will speed be there ??

Quote:

Originally posted by leebrianh So, who can convert my M2 5M to M3 version? Any takers? - Brian

Brian
HQ USA has passed on your question to HQ in Germany and we should hear back shortly. I'm guessing no, however. While the planform measurements are close, they are in fact diffrerent by several mm in every case, and in a bridle, that makes a lot of difference. Much may have to do with the new rib profile. But lets wait and see what they say.

Buzz - I'll let you know when I really get to fly it more.

I tried the safety a few times and relaunching it was very easy.

Relaunching from leading edge down was also no problem.

Thanks Angus. I compared canopy of M2 and M3 side by side but didn't see any significant design change. I am thinking bridle points are the same. If they indeed changed bridles, I don't see why not M3 bridles on M2. Let me know what they say about it. Thanks for relaying my question to them. - Brian

Lunchbox,

The 7m HQ MIII is $799

Not bad at all when you look at some of the others:

7.5m Frenzy FX = $1085
6m Pulse 2 = $1159
7m Sabre 2 = $1049

So this one performs on the coast and in middle America in the "gusties". This relly is a sweet kite. If you thinking depower with lift and not looking to break the bank the M3 desserves a hard look/demo.

Quote:

Originally posted by leebrianh Thanks Angus. I compared canopy of M2 and M3 side by side but didn't see any significant design change. I am thinking bridle points are the same. If they indeed changed bridles, I don't see why not M3 bridles on M2. Let me know what they say about it. Thanks for relaying my question to them. - Brian

From Alex Hesse, HQ Product Development in Germany...

"... I think it will work in some way, but [I] guess overall adjustments to the bridlelines are needed too."
"....the Montana III is different to the shape of Montana II in every single point. The ribs are different, the canopy is different, the wing twist and so on. And at least also the fabric is different."
Alex basically goes on to say that while you might be able to get ahold of an M3 pulley system, you are on your own with regards to adapting it. They have not made the measurements necessary for the conversion.

Sounds pretty tedious to me.

Thanks to Tim Baxmeyer at HQ USA for relaying our questions and thanks to Alex for a quick response.

Thanks again, Angus. I guess it's not really worth it. I will keep mine as it is. It's still a good kite. - Brian

BTW Tim Baxmeyer of HQ just wrote me this morning from DBBB and said he had a good session with his production 9.5 m M3 and a buggy in only 6-8 mph.

He was pleased to report that the production model came out as stable and sweet as the prototype.

very important question guys, without all the bias, what do you think about the kite performance in gusty winds, aka inland america?
I know that MK II is completely useless in land where I live.
Also, do you think it is possible compare mk III with lets , Flysurfer Psycho II when it comes to stability in the sky in gusty winds? aka no backstall or luffing. Thanks.

P.S. I want to get either 2 Montana's III or 1 pulse 2. But am afraid of montana since mk ii is useless

wait for DaV's review on the M3. First impressions were positive in gusty/inland conditions.

I flew it today - the weather/wind was nasty. Cold 15mph winds and really gusty.

I only got to fly static for about 25 mins, but it felt like my old 6m Access 2 but with lots more lift.

I'm pretty inland

I'll check back in soon after I fly it more.

I never had a Psycho II, but I did have a 7m & 13m Pulse, 10m, 13m & 17m Psycho III, and 17m Speed 1 SA.

DaVinch what would you say about flysurfers you had? better then mk3?
P.S. have destroyed by psycho II today, crushed it on the pine tree had to cut the briddle from the kite to take it off, sail is intact, but without briddle, dont even know if it could be fixed.